Max Ansell-Wood

BA (Hons) Interior Architecture

Why did you choose Northumbria University?

Their Interior Architecture course was by far the most interesting out of all the other universities I researched. Also the sports programme is one that allows students at any sporting level to participate with Club Northumbria as well as Team Northumbria. The campus is in the city centre, no more than 15 minutes’ walk from anywhere important within the city and most accommodation is also incredibly close. The course staff seemed very supportive and genuinely interested in our interests and work.

What do you think of Newcastle and our region and what are your favourite things to do?

The city of Newcastle is one of beauty and interesting history in terms of architecture. It never disappoints when I walk into town to shop at Grainger Market or meet my course mates for lunch at Weatherspoon's or simply go for a walk on the Quayside. It's just a bonus that Newcastle is the best city in the country for student life, with all manner of bars and clubs to suit anyone's taste.

What has surprised you most about living in Newcastle and this region? What has impressed you most?

I have been surprised about how many different things there are to do in Newcastle, whether it is going to look around the Baltic Art Gallery or taking a metro to Whitley Bay to spend the day at the seaside. You will never be bored in Newcastle!

Did you find Northumbria University welcoming?

Northumbria strives to make new undergraduates feel as comfortable as possible by putting on a great fresher's week. It is packed full of enjoyable events that allow students to meet new people and give flat mates the opportunity to go out together and get to know one another on a fun social level. It is always difficult initially but it did not take too long to fit in on my course. The work set in the first couple of weeks provides an opportunity to work with new course mates, to go into the city and study it together. The Kielder trip during induction week is a great day and a chance to talk and get to know course mates better.

What have you enjoyed most about coming to Northumbria University?

I have most enjoyed making new friends that I am sure I will know for the rest of my life. And hopefully alongside that, I shall have a degree in Interior Architecture that should lead me to some amazing opportunities in the future.

Who has helped you most since you came to Northumbria?

I am grateful to receive help from my course tutors when I need it, but they encourage you to attempt to work out problems for yourself first before approaching a tutor. My course mates will always try and help out when they can. We all know how challenging the course can be at times so we know how important it is to support one another.

Who has inspired you most at Northumbria University?

Friends from my course have definitely inspired me as some come up with fantastic, innovative ideas for our projects. Talking to Architecture students about their work is also inspiring and can help me generate ideas of my own.

What is your favourite place on campus?

Habita, the bar in the Students' Union is my favourite place to visit after a project pin up. It's a great place to enjoy a pint and some good quality food with fellow course mates.

Have you joined any sports teams, clubs or been involved in any volunteer projects?

I trialled for the athletics and rugby teams for Team Northumbria. I managed to join the fresher's/development rugby squad. It was a nice break from the intensity of my course to just run around and train with students of the same sporting interests.

What is the best thing about your course?

The satisfaction I receive once I have pinned all my project work up, after weeks and weeks of hard work, is incomparable. It makes all the time put into the work worthwhile.

What are the most valuable lessons you have learnt to date?

Time management from the get-go is essential in order to give you enough time to properly complete the work set each week and give you a bit of time to take a break.

What do you want to do in the future? What skills have you learned/improved that you think will be of most use in your future career?

I would like to work as an interior architect on projects all around the world, making a difference to those who will inhabit the buildings I redesign. Independent learning is a skill that I have realised is crucial not just for my course but in life, to expand your knowledge of a particular subject to understand it better.

Have you worked on any projects with businesses or been on a placement?

I have completed two weeks of work experience in two different architectural practices in Leeds city centre. It was my first taste of what my future could potentially become and I thorough enjoyed my time there.

If you could offer some advice to students thinking of coming to study here what would you say?

Although you must be prepared to work hard from the very start, you must not forget to enjoy yourself too.

How do you feel you have changed as a person since being at Northumbria University?

I have become much more independent due to living away from home and having to do everything myself to ensure I eat and live properly. I have also become more independent in my learning to ensure I have a more rounded knowledge of my subject. I have grown in confidence since arriving at university by meeting new people and making new friends.